Meet The Coaches
Robert Townson - Dojo Leader
Iaido Renshi Rokudan - Jodo Yondan - Regional Coach
​I have been practicing Iaido for two decades. Starting Iaido in Manchester with Stuart Shirreff (Renshi Rokudan) at Katsumushi Dojo, before moving to the Sunderland. I have been practicing Jodo for over eight years after starting Jodo with Ojika Dojo in Newcastle. I have competed for the United Kingdom squads in both Iaido and Jodo at their European Championship on multiple occasions, winning numerous medals in Jodo. In 2018 I started Renyukan Dojo.
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Kevin McNeill
Iaido Godan - Jodo Yondan - Level 1 Coach
Kevin is a has been training in Iaido and Jodo for over 15 years and has competed for the United Kingdom in both disciplines. Winning a medal in the Iaido Team event. Kevin is also a senior and coach at the Ojika Dojo in Newcastle.
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Phil Johnson
Iaido Yondan - Aikido Shodan - Level 1 Coach
Phil has been practicing martial art for the whole of his adult life. Finding Iaido after Aikido.
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Mark Ralston
Iaido Sandan - Jodo Sandan - Shodan Aikido - Level 1 Coach
Mark has been practicing martial arts all of his adult life. Finding Iaido after injury forced him to stop practicing Aikido. Mark has competed for the United Kingdom Jodo squad on two occasions.
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Sophie Townson
Iaido Yondan - Jodo Shodan
Sophie has been practicing Iaido for over a decade and has had the opportunity to represent the United Kingdom in both Iaido and Jodo at their European Championships, winning a medal in Fighting Spirt for her performance in Iaido.
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Max Hutchinson
Iaido Yondan
Hey there, I'm Max, one of the senior students here at Renyukan dojo. About ten years back, I stumbled upon Iaido while looking for a Kendo class, and I've been hooked ever since! I am currently a 4th Dan and have had the opportunity to represent the United Kingdom abroad at the European Iaido Championships.
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